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152 Chapter 9 too, and civilian competitors and spectators were invited. Representative was a sports program on a Saturday afternoon in June 1895 that included, besides many track events, mounted sports (“wrestling, mounted”), bicycle races, and a baseball game.53 Besides the on-post drills and parades that attracted sightseers from Denver and surrounding towns, Merriam seized opportunities for his troops to participate in civic ceremonies. Such an event was Denver’s Washington ’s Birthday parade in 1896. The following commendation received by Merriam from his superiors explained why he supported such activities: The Commanding General of the Department [of the Colorado] directs me to express to you his gratification at the fine display made by the troops of your command in the procession held in Denver, Colorado in honor of the birthday of Washington on the 22nd instant. It was a great pleasure to hear the universal praise of the United States troops by many distinguished persons who witnessed the parade. In this connection the General wishes to also refer, at this time, to the excellent appearance of the two battalions of the Seventh Infantry when at Colorado Springs last August, and he is glad to see that the garrison of Fort Logan is maintaining its high reputation amongst the people of this community.54 A military-civic social highlight occurred in May 1897 with the retirement of the Department of the Colorado commander, Major General Wheaton. Colonel Merriam became a key organizer in the planning for the elaborate farewell ceremony, calling upon his broad social contacts in Denver and throughout Colorado. A Denver newspaper described the upcoming event at Fort Logan as a “Grand Inspection and Review”: “[I]t is expected that a large number of citizens of Denver will attend the parade. Special trains will be run from the Union depot to carry the sightseers.” The general and his staff were to arrive at Fort Logan by a separate train and then given a special salute upon stepping off. The newspaper further outlined what would happen at the fort, with Merriam leading: Colonel Merriam and staff will be in waiting at the depot and the arriving officers will at once mount horses in waiting, the entire party proceeding up the broad roadways to the point of review. On either side of the road will be stationed at a distance of several yards apart a mounted escort and the military band will lead the procession as it slowly winds through the grounds. Then will follow the dress parade, inspection and review, at the close of which the general and his staff will be entertained by Colonel Merriam and officers of the post.55 This carefully planned ceremony reflects once again Merriam’s mastery of detail . It also shows why Denverites would find attending such events attractive. Fort Logan, Colorado 153 The colonel, as well as others, thoroughly understood the value of good public relations. One wonders also if Merriam, amid the pomp and circumstance, pondered his own ambitious quest for being a general, and if he would likewise be so honored sometime. The retirement of General Wheaton had another consequence on Colonel Merriam. He was ordered to the temporary command of the Department of the Colorado replacingWheaton. During this short period, May 10 to May 27, 1897, he actually held the reins of a department commander.56 It was not lost on him that this was a general’s position.The fact that the Department of the Colorado was headquartered in Denver, however, meant that little transition effort was necessary. Merriam continued his usual military training and exercises during the first part of 1897. For example, 7th Infantry troops would again spend part of the summer at rifle practice at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, for which preparations had to be made for the encampment.57 Then came the joyful news— Merriam would be promoted to brigadier general on June 30, 1897. At long last, all his efforts at obtaining a general’s star had come to fruition. He had accomplished one of the great goals in his life. Many military colleagues and civic, political, and business leaders who had earnestly tried to assist his promotion now deluged Merriam with congratulatory letters and messages. Una and the children joined in the celebration, knowing full well what this meant to Henry Merriam. The promotion to brigadier general required a change of station. Merriam was to be assigned as commander of the Department...

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